What happened
On 12 January 2007, a Piper PA46–310 P, registration ZS-MHP, was conducting a private flight from George Aerodrome to Stilbay Aerodrome. The flight proceeded normally until the final approach phase. Upon touchdown on runway 27, the aircraft encountered sudden wind shear. The pilot reported that the wind appeared to be blowing from the left, originating from just below the tree line situated along the left side of the approach path.
This atmospheric disturbance led to a loss of directional control. The aircraft veered off the runway, coming to rest approximately 20 meters to the left of the touchdown point. While there were 0 fatalities and 0 injuries reported, the aircraft suffered significant damage to its propeller, nose gear, and left main landing gear.
The investigation
Investigators examined the environmental conditions and the mechanical state of the aircraft at the time of the incident. Meteorological data indicated CAVOK conditions with temperatures of 25°C and winds from 045° at 12 to 15 knots, with broken cloud layers at 1,800 feet. The investigation also reviewed the maintenance history, noting that the most recent mandatory periodic inspection had been completed earlier in the year.
Findings
- The primary factor in the excursion was the loss of directional control triggered by a wind shear event during the landing roll.
- The wind shear was specifically attributed to wind blowing from the left side of the approach path, near the tree line.
- A hard landing likely occurred immediately following the wind shear, further destabilizing the aircraft's path.